Some folks think the terms slavery and holocaust belong solely to us humans. It’s most likely because these folks think humans are in some way superior to all the other animal species. And thus, to compare us to them is unthinkable. But, this is just people being speciesist. Which, like racism, sexism, and heterosexism, is deeply ingrained into our societal DNA. Especially, speciesism. Thus, besides looking forward to the end of such horrific events, I also look forward to the day when we all can agree that injustice is injustice no matter who the victims are.

There’s a HUGE difference between someone who is vegan – one who does their best to say “NO!” to the exploitation of others – and one who hasn’t yet become vegan. Calling anyone trying to be vegan vegan makes as much sense as calling someone who’s trying to be an Olympic Gold Winner an Olympic Gold Winner. Moreover, to worry about hurting their feelings because they may stop “Going for the Gold” unless you lie to them and call them vegan even if they are not vegan is equally ridiculous.

It seems to me it’s the welfare PeTA inspired “vegans” who trend toward violence. My theory is that their lackluster milk toast support of any kind of significant social change leaves them feeling as impotent as their movement is. Thus, once they realize what they’re doing leads nowhere, some turn towards violence as a last ditch effort rather than abolition (i.e., clearly stating slavery in any form is wrong and calling out for the end of it). Too bad too, because the more people we have telling the unvarnished TRUTH, the better for those we’re striving to help – all animals including ourselves.

P.S., When I say “PeTA” above I mean any of the so-called “Animal Rights” groups who support the very same industry they claim to be fighting against. That is, anyone who supports anything other than veganism and the utter annihilation of slavery – not just the regulation of it – directly or indirectly supports the continuation of the enslavement, torture, and outright murder of billions upon billions of sentient animals every single year.

Most of us, sadly, are addicted to the very food and quantities of food that hurt us most. Which, in turn, helps set the stage for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, various cancers, autoimmune disorders, etcetera. This being said, what the heck does this have to do with being vegan other than the fact that, besides dangerous processed foods, a lot of folks are also hugely addicted to equally harmful animal “products”?

Thus, when a typical food addicted person says, “I no longer want to exploit others, I want to be vegan!” we should all jump for joy and celebrate the fact that yet another person in this world wants to do the right thing regardless of their current state of health.

That is, whether the person looks like a model, or is severely out of shape, the only thing that should matter to the vegan community is that this person has had a change of heart and wants to do the right thing.

Back in the day, the abolitionists first ended the legality of the slave trade then the legality of slavery itself. Today, we abolitionists continue the fight against the enslavement of both humans and others. Why? Because, as most of you already know, slavery is wrong AND the only way to fix it is to end it once and for all.

I just finished watching an episode of Leave it to Beaver entitled “Beaver’s Poem” (Season 2, Episode 1) and was amazed by the two poems presented on the show. The first, written by The Beaver’s dad, Ward Cleaver—in what he felt would have been The Beaver’s own words—and the second written by Theodore “The Beaver” Cleaver himself. I think you too will be amazed by the language used in these poems:

The Bear: I would like to be a bear, gay and happy free from care / That’s the life like no other, climbing trees with my mother / Though they call me beast of rage, I’ve never put things in a cage / Or set a trap since time’s begun, or shot a human with a gun.~ Ward Cleaver (October 2, 1958)

The Duck: Once I wished I was a duck, ’cause mostly ducks have lots of luck / They swim around all day in a pool, and mostly never have to go to school / Then I saw a duck hanging in a butcher store, and I didn’t wanna be a duck no more.~ Theodore “The Beaver” Cleaver (October 2, 1958)